LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, October 25, 2015: Liverpool's Roberto Firmino and Christian Benteke look dejected as his side concede a late equaliser to Southampton during the Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Firmino and/or Benteke up front – Liverpool’s lineup options against Crystal Palace

Liverpool host Crystal Palace on Sunday, and we take a look at how Jurgen Klopp could line up his side for the clash.

KAZAN, RUSSIA - Thursday, November 5, 2015: Liverpool's Jordon Ibe [hidden] celebrates scoring the first goal against Rubin Kazan with team-mates during the UEFA Europa League Group Stage Group B match at the Kazan Arena. (Pic by Oleg Nikishin/Propaganda)

Klopp’s Reds go in search of extending their winning run to four games on Sunday when Alan Pardew’s Eagles arrive at Anfield.

A vital first win of the Europa League campaign added more to the growing confidence of Klopp’s developing squad, who look to record back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time since the opening two games.

With such close proximity between Thursday’s European success and Palace’s arrival, the German could make changes as Liverpool look to extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to 13 games.

 

Team News

KAZAN, RUSSIA - Wednesday, November 4, 2015: Liverpool's Martin Skrtel training at the Kazan Arena ahead of the UEFA Europa League Group Stage Group B match against FC Rubin Kazan. (Pic by Oleg Nikishin/Propaganda)

  • Klopp to freshen up his side after European exploits on Thursday night
  • Flanagan, Henderson and Sturridge still missing
  • Skrtel, Lucas, Lallana and Coutinho to return to starting team
  • Benteke set for first Premier League start under Klopp
  • Jordon Ibe could start after Man-of-the-Match display in Russia
  • Joao Carlos Teixeira available for selection after ineligibility for Europa League
  • Tough decision for Klopp to make over formation of use between 4-3-2-1 and 4-2-3-1

 

Liverpool’s XI

KAZAN, RUSSIA - Thursday, November 5, 2015: Liverpool's Lucas Leiva, Mamadou Sakho, Nathaniel Clyne and Alberto Moreno celebrate after the 1-0 victory over Rubin Kazan during the UEFA Europa League Group Stage Group B match at the Kazan Arena. (Pic by Oleg Nikishin/Propaganda)

Klopp now has a nice selection of options available but he could stick with the shape that he has used most since arriving.

Within the 4-3-2-1 system, the familiar back four could resume defensive duties with Skrtel slotting back in alongside Mamadou Sakho, while the trusted midfield set-up of Lucas, Emre Can and James Milner can be reformed.

Having been rested in midweek, Lallana and Coutinho could link-up in attacking midfield – with Firmino held in reserve after featuring heavily on return from injury – in support of Benteke.

Klopp making those adjustments would see Liverpool line up like this against Palace:

Palace 4-3-2-1

However, Klopp could decide to match up to the visitors with the 4-2-3-1 formation successfully used in Russia.

The same back five should be afforded protection by a midfield partnership of Lucas and Emre Can, with Milner making way after a period of sluggish performances.

After working so well at Chelsea last weekend, Klopp could unleash Coutinho, Lallana and Firmino again in attack, with the summer signing leading the line.

With a space up for grabs, Ibe should be the man to complete the Reds offensive set-up after some impressive displays.

Those changes to the XI from Thursday would see Liverpool line up looking like this come 4pm kick-off time at Anfield:

Palace 4-2-3-1

Liverpool have the chance to cap off a first month under Klopp unbeaten and with a fourth straight win, and with their new found belief, they must produce a strong performance to cement a flying start.


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